X-ray apparatus



May 8, 1934. B w -rz 1,957,436

X-RAY APPARATUS Filed June 14, 1928 \NVENTOK Juuus B.WRNTZ Home PatentedMay 8, 1934 UNITED STATES X-RAY APPARATUS Julius B. Wantz, Oak Park,Ill., assignor to General Electric X-Ray Corporation, Chicago, Ill., acorporation of New York Application June 14, 1928, Serial No. 285,392

7 Claims.

The present invention has to do with X-ray apparatus and relatesparticularly to a new construction for oil-immersed X-ray units.

Primarily, the invention has to do with the provision of oil-immersionor insulation for a tube, the tube and its insulation being disposed inone container, and means for connecting such tube so immersed to asecond container, in which disposed the X-ray tube energizing elements,

10 all of which may be oil-insulated.

The objects of the invention, among others, include the following:

The provision of separate containers for an X-ray tube and for theenergizing units therefor, each of the containers being oil-immersed,

and in such association that they may be readily attached or detachedone from the other;

The provision of independent containers for an X-ray tube and fortube-energizing elements,

and means for quickly attaching and detaching said containers whereby toestablish or disconnect an electrical circuit intermediate said tube andsaid tube-energizing elements;

To provide for association with a unit comprising tube-energizingelements, means for mounting a tube quickly detachable therefrom, theapparatus lending itself to the employment of a plurality of tubes eachin a different container and each container being readily attachable,

one at a time, to the unit comprising said tubeenergizing elements;

The provision of novel means for shielding off all but usefulX-radiation in an apparatus of the kind hereinabove described;

The provision of improved electrical connections, such connections beingparticularly adapted to quick attachment and detachment;

The provision in an apparatus of the character hereinabove described ofmeans whereby 4O expansion and contraction of the oil immersion due tothe heating and cooling of an X-ray tube is automatically compensatedfor, and whereby the container for a tube is kept substantially full ofinsulating oil at all times.

These, and such other objects as may hereinafter appear, are obtained bythe novel combination, construction, and arrangement of the severalelements constituting the invention, one embodiment of which isillustrated in the accompanying single sheet of drawing, which sheet ofdrawing shows a plurality of different types of X-ray tubes disposedwithin the tube-containing apparatus generally employed.

In said single sheet of drawing:

Figure 1 is a general schematic and perspective outline of the entiredevice and shows a separable tube holder in position above a transformercontainer, the transformer elements and other energizing equipment beingindicated diagrammatically;

Figure 2 is a sectional elevation of the tubeholder structure shown inFigure 1;

Figure 3 is a section taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 2 viewed in thedirection of the arrows;

Figure 4 is another embodiment of the invention in which X-rayprotection forms a part of the tube envelope; and

Figure 5 is a further embodiment of the invention and in which the X-rayprotection is ob tained by mounting the X-ray tubes within an envelopemade of X-ray protective material.

Like reference characters are used to designate similar parts in thedrawing and in the specification.

Reference should be had first to Figure l, which is in part schematic.

A source of power is indicated by the numeral 10. Conduits lead fromsuch source of power 10. There is disposed in association with saidconduits a main switch 11 which is adapted to control the energizing ofthe apparatus from the source of power.

Any suitable control means may be employed, and in the present instancean autotransformer 12 is connected across the lines from the source ofpower 10. A wire forming a variable tap on said auto-transformer 12 isdesignated 13, and it is through the adjustment of this variable tapthat the potential across the primary of a hightension transformer,hereinafter to be referred to, may be varied.

A common connector 14 forms a return circuit for the energizing of botha high-tension and a filament transformer. A conduit 15 connected at 9one end to a rheostat 16 and at the other end to one terminal of theprimary of a filament current transformer is disclosed.

Said rheostat 16, or any other regulatory de vice which may besubstituted therefor, is intended to provide means for varying thepotential across the primary of such filament transformer, saidvariations to control the amount of current passing through an X-raytube later to be mentioned in a manner well known in the art. 105

A high-tension transformer 1'7 is disclosed. It i comprises ahigh-tension transformer secondary 18, and a high-tension transformerprimary 19. There is also provided a filament transformer 20, comprisinga secondary 21 and a primary 22, 1 0

An X-ray tube is shown at 23, the numeral 24 being used to indicate theanode of such X-ray tube, and 25 the cathode thereof.

The connections from the secondary of the high-tension transformer tothe anode of the tube 23 is designated 26, while a common connectionbetween the secondary 18 of said hightension transformer 17, and theother terminal thereof, and one terminal of the secondary of saidfilament transformer, is designated 27. A conduit 23 is connectedbetween wire 27 and one terminal of the cathode 25 of the X-ray tube. Asecond wire between said cathode 25 and the fiiament transformersecondary, is designated 29.

About the X-ray tube 23 is a housing or box. This may comprise a base30, which base should be opaque to X- ight. Secured to the said base 30in any suitable manner but with sufiicient closeness as to preventoil-seepage, is a cover or container 31 which with the said base 30completely encloses the X-ray tube 23, and provides means for containingthe oil insulation to be used in association with such tube. A sealbetween base 30 and cover 31 is provided and for convenience such sealis marked 37.

About the transformers 1'7 and 2G is a second container 32, having acove 33. In said cover 33 are studs 34 which are employed for thepurpose of positioning the tube-container or tubecontainer base 30hereinabove referred to. In said tube-container base 30 are apertures 35to receive the studs 34. Thumb nuts for locking the tube-container inposition upon the transformer container are shown at 36.

Within the container 31, is a window 38 transparent to X-light, butwhich is oil-tight. Such window 33 may be formed in a number of ways. Itmay be produced as is shown in the present instance by cutting anaperture in the case 31 and placing therein a material transparent toX-light. In other instances, it may be made by reducing thecross-section of material forming the case 31 to such a thinness that itis transparent to X-light. Divers other means may be employed forproducing such a window.

At one end of said container 31 is a sylphon device 39 which is adaptedto take up the expansion of the oil in container 31 and surrounding thetube 23. The heat of such tube is transmitted to the oil within thecontainer 31 through the anode 24 of the tube, and shortly there is amarked expansion of such oil so that a means for compensating for suchexpansion is necessary.

An anode insulator 40 is used upon cover 33 for the container 32. Asomewhat similar but not identical cathode insulator ii is also employedupon said cover 33. Fhe anode lead from the high-tension transformer asit passes through said insulator is designated by the numeral 42 whenpassing through the insulator 40, and the cathode lead-in wires l3 and44 are so designated when passing through said cathode insulator 41.Each of these insulators 40 and 41 is of the conical type, and made by aplurality of corrugations to increase creepage distance across theinsulator.

Said insulators 40 and 41 should be accurately placed upon said cover 33and should bear a definite and fixed relation to the studs 34.

Within the bottom of base 36 is an anode insulator 45, and a cathodeinsulator 46. Said insulators are accurately disposed and bear acomplemental relation to the insulators 40 and 41 upon the top 33. Whenbrought together, that is, when the base 30 is pressed downwardly uponthe cover 33 with the studs 34 registering within the apertures 35, theinsulators 46 and 41 and 45 and 46 hereinabove referred to shouldregister closely one with another.

Through the anode insulator 45 is a conductor 47, having at itsunderside a button or contact plate 51. Through the insulator 46 are twoconductors 48 and 49, each of which has at its end contact plates 51. Atthe head of lead-in conductors 43, and 44, are contact points or plates50, each one of which is adapted to properly register with the properplate or contact 51 in the opposed insulating member.

It will be noted that the contact in association with the conduits 43and 44 has in association therewith a spring member 52 whereby aresilient connection intermediate the conductors 43 and 44 and theconductors 48 and 49 through the plates 50 and 51 is obtainable. This isnecessary in view of the low voltage impressed thereacross for thefilament current is of low voltage, say about ten volts.

From the connector 47 to the anode 24 is a conductor 5'7. Intermediatethe conductors 48 and 49 and the cathode 25 of the tube 23 are twoconductors 53 and 59 for carrying the filament current, one of saidconductors, 58 or 59, also forming a conductor for the hi h-tensioncurrent which is impressed across the tube 23.

For convenience in making the connections hereinabove des ribed, ascrew-on cathode terminal may be employed upon the tube 23, suchscrew-on terminal being designated 60. Such a terminal has properlydisposed therein and insulated one from the other two binding posts,which posts facilitate rapid connection interm diate the conduits and 59and the tube.

Within the container 31 are disposed brackets 61, generally dependingfrom the casing 31. These form a support for the X-ray tube 23 wher :yit is held an adjusted position properly removed from the walls of thecasing 31 and the base 36.

The clamps 61 are common in the industry and are generally of somedielectric material, such as wood, bakelite, or fiber.

In Figures 2 and 3 shown a housing comprising a material opaque toX-ray. In such housing, any tube may be employed. In Figure 4, amaterial transparent to X-light is shown. The tube 23 in such instancecomprises a bulb of lead glass 63, having therein a window 64 made oflime glass whereby to permit the passage of X-rays. The window 64 isarranged to register with window 38 in casing 31.

In Figure 5, a container of similar material, transparent to X-light, isdisclosed. The tube 23 in such instance is completely encased, exceptfor an opening registering with the window 38, in lead glass shiel sdesignated 65, such shields comprising two parts adapted to be fastenedtogether through flanges arranged their greatest diameter, such shieldsnow being more or less common in the X-ray industry.

The clamps 61 instead of coming in direct contact with the tube 23,surround the lead glass shield 65, the shape of such shieldcorresponding substantially to the shape of the tube 23 except for theflat portion thereof adjacent the window 38. Flanges through whichfastening members pass are shown at 66 on the inner ends of suchshields.

It is manifest that an automatic connection is established intermediatethe tube-energizing elements contained in the housing 33, and a tubecontained in the housing 31, as an incident to causing said opposedinsulators to register one with another. In order to insure suchregistration, the container 31 by its base 30 is aflixed to the cover 33by registration of the apertures in 30 with the studs 34 upon thetransformer casing 33.

When so registering, the thumb nuts 36 may be screwed into position, andthe device secured in electrically connected position. A tube may bequickly changed, when desired, by releasing such thumb nuts and removingthe casing 31 with its contents, another tube 23 contained in anothercasing 31 being adapted to be instantly substituted for thefirst-referred to housing.

In this way a plurality of tubes of different characteristics may beemployed and a great variety of uses secured while employing but asingle energizing unit, such as the one contained in container 32. It isquite apparent that the device has a wide use, and that it has manyadvantages over a unit comprising a tube and tube-energizing elementsall contained within a single vessel.

I claim:

1. In X-ray apparatus, two independent containers including complementalwalls, one container enclosing an X-ray tube, another containerenclosing X-ray tube energizing instrumentalities, and complementalcontacts on said containers whereby said X-ray tube and said X-ray tubeenergizing instrumentalities are electrically connected when saidcomplemental walls are in physical contact, the contacts on the X-raytube container being electrically connected to the anode and cathode ofsaid tube and the contacts on said tube energizing instrumentalitiesenclosing container being electrically connected to said tube energizinginstrumentalities.

2. In X-ray apparatus, two independent containers including complementalwalls, adapted to be brought into substantial engagement when saidapparatus is in operable condition, one container enclosing an X-raytube, another container enclosing tube energizing instrumentalities, andcontacts upon each of said containers, the contacts on one containerbeing adapted to engage upon the contacts of the other container whensaid complemental walls are in substantial engagement, the contacts onthe X-ray tube container being electrically connected to the anode andcathode of said tube and the contacts on said tube energizinginstrumentalities enclosing container being electrically connected tosaid tube energizing instrumentalities.

3. X-ray apparatus comprising an X-ray tube, a vessel enclosing saidtube and filled with insulating oil, tube energizing instrumentalities,a vessel enclosing said tube energizing instrumentalities and filledwith oil, said vessels including complemental walls adapted to bebrought into substantial engagement one with another and complementalcontact means intermediate said vessels when said complemental walls arein substantial engagement, the contact means on the X-ray tube containerbeing electrically connected to the anode and cathode of said tube andthe contact means on said tube energizing instrumentalities enclosingcontainer being electrically connected to said tube energizinginstrumentalities.

4. X-ray apparatus comprising two independent containers includingcomplemental walls adapted to be brought into substantial engagementpreliminary to the operation of said X-ray apparatus, one of saidcontainers enclosing an X-ray tube, another of said containers enclosingtube energizing instrumentalities, complemental contacts on saidcontainers, said contacts being operable to establish electricalconnection between said tube and said tube energizing instrumentalitieswhen said complemental walls are in substantial engagement, and meansupon one of said containers engaging the other container for securingsaid containers one to another with said complemental walls inengagement, the contacts on the X-ray tube container being electricallyconnected to the anode and. cathode of said tube and the contacts onsaid tube energizing instrumentalities enclosing container beingelectrically connected to said tube energizing instrumentalities.

5. X-ray apparatus comprising two independent containers, one of saidcontainers enclosing an X-ray tube, another of said containers enclosingtube energizing instrumentalities, contacts on said containers, thecontacts on the X-ray tube enclosing container being electricallyconnected to conduits leading to said tube, and the contacts on saidtube energizing instrumentalities container being electrically connectedto conduits from said tube energizing instrumentalities, spring meansupon certain of said contacts, and means cooperating with saidcontainers for securing said containers in engagement with said springmeans compressed.

6. X-ray apparatus comprising a plurality of containers, an X-ray tubein one of said containers, tube energizing instrumentalities in anotherof said containers, contacts on said containers, there being conduitsbetween the contacts on said X-ray tube container and said X-ray tubeand conduits in electrical connection with the contacts on said tubeenergizing instrumentalities container and the tube energizinginstrumentalities therein, and complemental means on said containers forguiding one of said containers into contact contacting position upon theother of said containers.

'7. X-ray apparatus comprising a plurality of containers, an X-ray tubein one of said containers, tube energizing instrumentalities in anotherof said containers, complemental guide means on said containers, andcomplemental contacts on said containers, the contacts on said X-raytube container being electrically connected to conduits leading to saidX-ray tube and the contacts upon said tube energizing instrumentalitiescontainer being in electrical connection with conduits leading to saidtube energizing instrumentalities, the engagement of said complementalguide means positioning one of said containers on the other thereof withsaid complemental contacts disposed for electrical connectiontherebetween.

JULIUS B. WANTZ.

